Workplace strategy: what is it and why should every company have one?

Open space, telecommuting, flex office, coworking... the office has become a shifting ecosystem. But trends aside, the fundamental question is: is your workspace aligned with your company's vision, objectives and culture?

This is exactly where workplace strategy comes in.

Still little-known in some organizations, this approach goes beyond furniture and decor. It aims to design strategically-thought-out work environments, to boost performance, attract talent, and respond to the new uses of hybrid working.

👉 So, what is a workplace strategy? Why has it become essential? And how can it be put into practice? That's what we're going to explore in this article.

Workplace strategy: a clear and simple definition

Workplace strategy is a global approach to aligning work environments with a company's human, organizational and business needs.

It's not just a question of optimizing square meters, but of rethinking the use of spaces in line with the way teams actually work, now and in the future.

It integrates several dimensions:

• Work modes (face-to-face, hybrid, full remote)
• Internal organization (project teams, silos, cross-functionality, etc.)
• HR objectives (commitment, well-being, loyalty)
• Strategic ambitions (growth, innovation, brand image)
• Corporate culture (values, management practices)

🌟 The objective: to design an environment that stimulates both collective performance and individual fulfillment.

This approach rests on a solid foundation of leadership, management consulting, agile and lean project management. It relies on proven frameworks, rigorous planning, and digital tools such as dashboards, templates, monitoring, and CRM systems for effective management.

Why it's (really) in every company's interest to have one

Attracting and retaining talent

In a job market under pressure, offices have become a lever of attractiveness. A well-thought-out working environment, where you feel good, makes you want to come (and stay).

🧠 According to a JLL study, 69% of employees believe that a good working environment has a direct impact on their motivation.

Supporting hybrid working

Telecommuting, face-to-face working, flexibility: companies have to deal with multiple uses. A clear strategy helps to establish a coherent framework that is understood by all.

This often implies a suitable infrastructure (cloud, security, backup, data protection, collaborative tools), but also a culture of agility, nurtured by proven methodologies (Scrum, Kanban, Lean...).

Reduce costs... without losing efficiency

A workplace strategy often makes it possible to make better use of existing floor space, or even reduce m²... while improving the quality of life at work.

💡 Example: switching to flex office with well-designed collaborative spaces reduces real estate costs while stimulating exchanges.

Align space and corporate culture

Your offices need to tell the story of who you are. A well-thought-out strategy allows the corporate culture to come alive through the space, and not just in HR documents. A subject we've already begun to explore in our guide to professional office design.

The pillars of a successful workplace strategy

A listening and analysis phase

• Audit of current uses (occupancy, reservations, flows, etc.)
• Interviews with teams
• Measurement of employee satisfaction

This phase is essential to identify friction points and real expectations.

A clear vision (aligned with business objectives)

Then we need to define where we want to go. Examples of objectives:

• Better collaboration between departments
• Reducing the carbon footprint
• Encouraging concentration
• Stimulating creativity

Every choice of layout must serve these objectives.

User-centered design

In concrete terms, this means:

• Spaces adapted to real uses (meeting, focus, relaxation...)
• Modularity to evolve with needs
• A fluid experience (reservation, circulation, services...)

Une approche évolutive

Une workplace strategy n’est jamais figée : elle doit évoluer en fonction des retours d’usage et des changements internes.

Case study : Deskeo and the workplace strategy

At Deskeo, we design each workspace as a strategic lever, aligning it with the actual uses, culture and specific ambitions of each company.

Each project begins with an in-depth analysis of workflows and organization, enabling us to define precise specifications in line with corporate culture and growth objectives. This methodology integrates flexibility, collective performance and quality of working life, ensuring that spaces are adapted to new ways of working.

How to implement a workplace strategy in your company?

Start small

There's no need to revolutionize everything at once. Start with a simple analysis of current uses (occupancy, frustrations, expectations).

Involve your teams

The success of a workplace strategy depends on the support of your employees. Involve them right from the start of the process (surveys, workshops, feedback).

Get support

It is often useful to call on an expert partner, capable of combining strategic vision, HR expertise, space design and project management. This is the core business of Deskeo, whose customer achievements perfectly illustrate the impact of a well-thought-out strategy.

🧱 This is precisely what we find in the Deskeo approach: comprehensive, tailor-made support that takes into account the real culture and uses of each company.

What about tomorrow? Towards sustainable, agile workplace strategies

With environmental challenges, the rise of nomadic working and the growing expectations of younger generations, workspace strategy will have to integrate :

• More sustainable materials
• Improved connectivity for remote working
• Spaces that are both modular and distinctive
• A human-centred approach at all levels

Workplace strategy, an underestimated performance lever

Too often, companies still think of their offices in silos: IT on one side, HR on the other, general services in the middle. The workplace strategy breaks down these silos.

It turns the workspace into a genuine strategic tool, serving culture, performance and well-being. This approach touches on digital strategy, operational management and the digitalization of key functions.

So, are you ready to rethink your office space? Contact us today.